Kioto Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Southwest Arizona

Kioto Lineage · Since 1965

The Gentle Art,
taught the way
it was meant to be.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rooted in tradition, taught with personal attention in an intimate setting. Not for everyone, and that’s the point.

Self-Defense Body & Mind Family-Owned Veterans Welcome First Responder Discounts
Our Philosophy

We don’t sign up
just anyone.

Here at Kioto BJJ Southwest, we instruct the Gentle Art the same genuine way it's taught in Brazil. Classes mix traditional and modern techniques along with the philosophy that has produced not only BJJ champions — but life champions.

Our onboarding is selective by design. We invite prospects to come by, meet the owner, and step on the mat for a few classes. We want to know you. You should want to know us.

"Most have strength — not all have technique."

— Master Milton Regis
Weekly Classes

Step on the mat.

Kids classes accept E.S.A. funds. Veterans may qualify for tuition assistance through the We Defy Foundation. Ask about our first responder discount.

Monday
Adult Fundamentals BJJ
6:00 — 7:30 PM
Tuesday
Kids BJJ
5:00 — 5:45 PM
E.S.A. Funds Accepted
Adult BJJ
6:00 — 7:30 PM
Wednesday
Kids BJJ
5:00 — 5:45 PM
E.S.A. Funds Accepted
Adult BJJ
6:00 — 7:30 PM
Thursday
Kids BJJ
5:00 — 5:45 PM
E.S.A. Funds Accepted
Adult BJJ
6:00 — 7:30 PM
3rd Saturday
BJJ Open Mat
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Our Lineage

A direct line back to Grand Master Helio Gracie.

Read the Full Story
The lineage wall — from Kano Jigoro and the Gracies to Master Mansor, Master Regis, and Professors Joe & Liz Lutrario
The Wall

From Kano Jigoro to our mat — every name on this wall shapes how we teach today.

01

Grand Master Francisco Mansor

9th Degree Red Belt

Graduated by Grand Master Helio Gracie. Founded Kioto BJJ in 1965.

02

Master Milton Regis

7th Degree Black Belt

Began training under Grand Master Mansor at age 8. Teaches in Long Island, NY.

03

Professors Joe & Elizabeth Lutrario

2nd Degree Black Belts

Founders of Kioto BJJ Southwest, instructing the Kioto System.

Service Honored

Veterans can qualify for
tuition assistance.

Through the We Defy Foundation, qualifying veterans can earn full tuition scholarships to train with us. We're proud to stand alongside those who've stood for us.

Veterans

We Defy Foundation Scholarships

Qualifying veterans receive scholarships covering BJJ tuition. Ask the owner during your visit about eligibility.

First Responders

Ask About Our First Responder Discount

Police, fire, EMS — thank you for what you do. Mention your service when you visit.

In the Press

Mindfulness in the disguise of combat sports.

Professor Joe Lutrario's work with veterans has drawn local television coverage and a published clinical study.

ABC15 News
2019
Television feature

"It's mindfulness in the disguise of combat sports."

ABC15 featured Professor Joe Lutrario, a former NYPD officer who developed PTSD after responding to 9/11, working with Arizona veterans in a clinical study using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to lessen PTSD symptoms. After roughly 60 hours on the mat, researchers began seeing measurable change.

Watch the segment
Longitudinal Study
2021
Peer-shared research

BJJ significantly reduced PTSD symptoms across every measure.

A study of 32 veterans and first responders, all initially showing clinically significant PTSD, recorded major decreases after 60 hours of training: PC-PTSD ↓37%, TSQ ↓51%, GAD-7 ↓52%, PHQ-9 ↓39%, GADQ-IV ↓49%.

Read the study
On the Mat

Champions of life.

Kioto BJJ Southwest Arizona — full school group photo on the mat
Kioto BJJ competitor on the podium at a tournament
Kioto BJJ women and youth students under the Kioto banner
Kioto BJJ competition match action
Professor Liz Lutrario coaching the youth program
Black belt promotion under the "Fighting for an Ideal Since 1965" banner with Master Mansor
The Real Experience

Come stop by.
Meet the owner.
Take a few classes.

We don't do online sign-ups. We invite prospects to visit in person — because the mat tells you everything you need to know.

Find The Academy

Walk in. Step on the mat.

Location
2976 N Alma School Rd, Suite 2
Chandler, AZ 85224
General Hours
  • Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed

Class times vary — see our weekly schedule or call ahead before walking in.

Walk-Ins Welcome
Come meet the owner — we'll show you around.
Get Directions